Bacolod Tay Tung High School, representing Negros Occidental, won the Western Visayas National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) regional finals over the weekend in Ibajay, Aklan. Tay Tung secured the title with a 89-77 win over St. Robert’s International Academy, who was representing Iloilo.

Tay Tung got off to a flat start and found themselves down 26-18 in the opening period. However, the Bacolod City-based school fought back in the second period and narrowed the gap to 44-42 at halftime.

Midway through the third, Tay Tung took a 58-51 lead; however, their opponents responded and got to within 60-56.

After pulling to a 68-63 lead, Tay Tung gained their widest margin in the fourth, taking an 87-70 advantage with just over three minutes left.

Making up the Tay Tung roster are Heinz Gabriel Demisana, Fritz Valencia, Martin Beatingo, Kent Esparagoza, Josh Luciano, Nathan Jundana, John Mark Mercado, Jules Wong, Joseph Palaganas, Andy Villamer, Ralph Cagalawan, Dritter Ilalto, Lucky Charm Ramos, Benedick Gulmatico, and Leindon Chong.

The Bacolod City school will next compete in the NBTC National Finals, which are scheduled to take place from March 21 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City./ASC, WDJ